The three big mistakes Arsenal made in this transfer window

Arsenal’s Arsene Wenger has spent more money than ever before this summer (Picture: AP Photo)

Arsenal got this transfer window off to a great start by bringing in Alexis Sanchez, Calum Chambers, Mathieu Debuchy and David Ospina early on. Things, however, stalled and fans were left wondering if the club would bring in more players before the window closed.

They did when they finally announced the arrival of Danny Welbeck from Manchester United, meaning that this window saw Arsene Wenger spend more money than he has ever done before as Arsenal boss.

Still, many fans are not happy with what happened in this window and with good reason. Here are three things they probably could have done better in this window:

1) Sign a defensive midfielder

Arsenal have needed a defensive midfielder for a number of seasons now. Even though they picked up Mathieu Flamini on a free transfer last summer, the position is crying out for reinforcement. With Mikel Arteta starting to pick up injuries on a regular basis and Flamini always in danger of being suspended, an addition in this area of the team would have made a big difference to the solidity of the team at the back.

2) Find a centre-back replacement

Arsene Wenger has always said that a club needs to have four centrebacks at the club but Arsenal will complete the first half of this season with only two senior centrebacks at the club and Calum Chambers, an undoubtedly talented, but young and inexperienced player, as third choice. As well as letting Thomas Vermaelen go, they also saw Bacary Sagna, who could play in that position, leave for Manchester City.

3) Change the order of signings

If Arsenal had signed Danny Welbeck in June and Alexis Sanchez on deadline day then a large section of the fanbase, who have clearly never really seen Welbeck play, would be a lot happier than they are today. As it is, some Arsenal fans are gutted at the arrival of Welbeck while a host of United fans feel the same way about him leaving their club.That should tell you all you need to know.

This window hasn’t been a total disaster for Arsenal as many have made out.

They have significantly strengthened up front with the arrival of Welbeck, Sanchez and Joel Campbell at the club but the defensive deficiencies still evident means that Arsenal will spend the first half of the season praying that neither Laurent Koscielny, who has already picked up a head injury, nor Per Mertesacker get any serious injuries that rule them out for any length of time.

While Calum Chambers can fill in for a variety of positions, he is still only one man, and a very young one at that.

Arsenal are playing a risky game. Let’s hope it is not one they are made to pay for.